Netflix gets global rights to ‘American Crime Story’

Netflix said on Monday it had signed a deal with 20th Century Fox to be the global streaming home for FX’s Emmy-nominated smash hit “American Crime Story.”

The first season—“The People v. O.J. Simpson”—will be available around the world in 2017, except in Canada, while all subsequent seasons will be made available after their broadcast windows.

The show ended its first 10-episode run as cable’s most-watched new series of the year so far, pulling in an average seven-day audience of 7.5 million.

It also picked up 22 Emmy nominations, including for best limited series and acting nods for Courtney B. Vance, Cuba Gooding Jr., Sarah Paulson, Sterling K. Brown, David Schwimmer and John Travolta.

The show, produced by Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions, took viewers inside the Simpson trial and explored the chaotic, behind-the-scenes dealings and maneuvering on both sides.

A second season focusing on the response to Hurricane Katrina is due to air on FX next year.

“We’re excited to evolve our relationship with Fox and to bring their lauded content to our members around the world,” said Sean Carey, vice president of global television.

“Given the popularity of the first season of American Crime Story, we are thrilled to offer this acclaimed drama series to our members.”

Netflix is the world’s leading internet television network, with a presence in 190 countries.

But its market value has dropped by around one-third from its peak late last year to $37 billion, sparking speculation by some analysts that it could become a takeover target.

Shares in the company dropped 13 percent last week, following weaker-than-expected growth in its subscriber base.

The company said it ended the second quarter with 83 million subscribers, adding 1.7 million. That was well below its forecast of 2.5 million additions and lower than many analyst forecasts, reports AFP, Los Angeles.